Friends of Franklin Chairperson, Dr Andri Grobbelaar, joins Yolanda Maartens to talk about this wonderful collaboration and how the public can get involved. 

Willard Batteries is generously sponsoring 50 indigenous trees – including Sweet Thorn, Karee, and Wild Olive – for planting in the Franklin Game Reserve on Naval Hill in Bloemfontein. This project celebrates Arbor Day, enhances biodiversity in one of Bloemfontein’s most beloved greenspaces, and helps to beautify the community and also contributes to environmental education and sustainable development.

Planting these indigenous tree species will:

• Strengthen the tree population and biodiversity of Naval Hill.
• Create new micro-habitats and climates that provide rich habitats for plants and animals.
• Include species that are an important food source for giraffes.

Naval Hill’s beloved giraffes sadly died during 2024 and early 2025. This initiative, led by the non-profit conservation organisation Friends of Franklin (FoF), is a step towards possible restoration. The goal is to establish the new trees over the next 3–5 years, after which the possibility of reintroducing giraffes into the reserve will be considered in collaboration with Mangaung Municipality (MMM).

Project timeline:

• 12 August – 5 September 2025: Experts from the Department of Animal and Grassland Sciences (University of the Free State) will identify suitable planting sites. MMM teams will prepare the planting holes.
• 6 September 2025: Tree Planting Day! Bring your spade and join us between 09:00 and 12:00 to help plant and care for these trees. We need the community’s help to make this a success!
• After 6 September: Sponsor your own additional tree for R650 – including delivery and planting by a specialised tree nursery. Donors will receive the GPS coordinates of their tree on top of Naval Hill.

How you can take part:

•  Join us on 6 September, between 09:00 and 12:00, to help plant the 50 trees donated by Willard Batteries.
• Sponsor an additional tree or make a donation so that even more trees can be planted.
• Challenge your company or organisation to contribute towards a greener Naval Hill.

Be part of a project that will make a difference for generations to come! You can email friendsoffranklin.bfn@gmail.com for more information.

“Every tree you plant is a gift to the future.”